Bahamas

With more than 700 islands making up the archipelago known as The Bahamas, one can find almost any kind of island experience. The most populated islands–Nassau and Grand Bahamas–feature high-rise resort hotels, casinos, cruise ships disgorging passengers, and all the modern-day hustle and bustle one could want.

But out on some of the smaller islands, Eleuthera, Exuma, Abacos, Andros and Bimini, life is slower and much quieter. The gentle trade winds rustle the coconut palms, the brilliant aquamarine water laps against the pinkish beach, and the sun follows its daily arc across the heavens from dawn until the green flash occurs at sunset.

The Bahamas is a sportsman’s paradise, with world-class golf courses, some of the best fishing in the world, miles of ocean reefs to dive and bike paths to pedal. Culturally, the islands are a little bit British–they drive on the left and wear wigs to court–and a little bit Caribbean, with a lilting accent, a love of family and friends, and a “no worries” attitude towards life. And The Bahamas is made to order for romance, a relaxed, hedonistic celebration of life.

With all those islands, and all those choices, The Bahamas truly offers something for everyone. As long as everyone enjoys gorgeous tropical islands baking in the hot sun, dancing to the steel drums and sampling some fresh fish in the torch-lit night air.